Three part laminated construction

ABSTRACT

A three-part laminated surface construction can be shaped and molded by hand and will retain that shape until the particular need is met, such as controlling the flow of liquids and resins, or establishing a protective cover. The surface construction includes a center layer of pliable hand-moldable sheet with pliable sheet outer layers secured over the hand-moldable sheet. The perimeter of the pliable outer layers are secured together. The pliable hand-moldable sheet can be provided with diagonal slots to form quadrants for folding around and protection from sharp objects. In one form cloth inserted rubber material is used for the outer layers. In one form, a strap with loop and hook fastener is provided to aid in securing the protective cover in place.

Cross-References to Related Applications

This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part to U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/407,872, filed Apr. 20,2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,851,038, entitled “Three-Part Laminated PliableMoldable Surface Construction” and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/673,008, filed Apr. 20, 2005, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/692,523, filed Jun. 21, 2005, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/722,614, filed Sep. 30, 2005,the specifications and drawings of which are incorporated herein byreference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a pliable hand-moldablesurface construction.

More specifically, the invention relates to a three-part laminatedpliable hand-moldable surface construction which, while suitable forother uses, is particularly useful for channeling the flow of liquidsand resins such as for draining engine oil from hard to reach locations,and for covering sharp edges such as formed by cutting off parts of avehicle for protecting rescue personnel from injury and their equipmentfrom damage when extracting a person from the vehicle or otherwiseworking in proximity thereto. Accordingly, the invention relates to athree-part laminated pliable hand-moldable surface construction, aliquid channeling device comprising a three-part laminated pliablehand-moldable surface construction, and a protective cover comprising athree-part laminated pliable hand-moldable surface construction.

The invention accomplishes the foregoing in a pliable surfaceconstruction that can be shaped and molded by hand, and that will retainthe shape into which it is molded to meet a particular need. Thereafter,the surface can be reshaped for convenience, to accomplish another task,or be flattened or rolled into a compact article for storage. Theinvention presents a continuous surface segment that is chemical andabrasion resistant, to enable establishing a flow channel between two ormore locations, or a protective cover over dangerous articles. Thesurface construction can be hand molded in any way desired to providethe means to channel liquids or resins as efficiently as possible forthe particular needs, or to obtain the desired protection from dangerousobjects, and can even be cut into a desired size and shape for specificpurposes.

It can be appreciated that devices to drain oil from engines and othermachines have been in use for many years. Conventional oil drainingdevices typically include plastic and galvanized funnels, drain pans,rubber hose and other preformed devices for is directing oil from anengine drain port to a second location for collection in a container. Itwill also be appreciated that other liquids such as circulating coolantare drained from an engine with similar devices, and that discussionherein to draining oil from an engine refers generally to channeling aflowable product from one location to another, and is thereforeapplicable to draining all types of liquids from many types of engines,transmissions, machines and other equipment, as well as to other flow orproduct channeling applications.

Use of conventional oil draining devices presents several drawbacks anddisadvantages. Significant problems can result from such devices beingfixed in configuration. It is not possible to easily change the shape ofthe device to provide a custom way to drain oil or direct the flow offluid to accommodate custom needs such as dictated by unusual engineconfigurations and drain port locations. It is also not possible toeasily change the sizes of conventional oil draining devices, other thanperhaps cutting off the length of a rubber tube. Consequently, smallerand larger size devices must often be purchased to accommodate specialsize limitations of particular needs. Another disadvantage ofconventional oil draining devices is that they often do not providelarge surface flow area which would be convenient to collect and channellarge volumes of fluid. Another problem with conventional oil drainingdevices is that they are typically bulky, and cannot be convenientlystored in a compact form or limited space location. Thus, whileconventional oil draining devices may be suitable for the particularpurpose to which they are intended to address, they are not easilyadaptable for unusual circumstances, and their use can presentdifficulties in certain instances.

As one example, use of conventional oil draining devices can be acontinuing problem in draining oil from certain aircraft engines wherethe oil filter is located in a difficult to reach place, and drainingthe oil during removal of the filter can result in discharge of oil onother parts of the engine, requiring additional, but otherwiseunnecessary, cleanup and maintenance procedures

It can also be appreciated that extrication pads have been in use formany years by fire and rescue personnel to protect against the dangersof exposed jagged edges on a disabled vehicle. Under certain conditions,after a vehicle has been in an accident, the top of the vehicle may haveto be removed to gain access its interior and extract a person from thevehicle. Removal of the top results in exposed sharp edges where thepost frame supporting the top is cut through by the rescue personnel.Additional exposed sharp edges may also be present on the vehicle as aresult of the accident. Conventional extrication pads include rugs,rags, old fire hose and like materials that can be placed over suchexposed jagged edges to protect personnel from injury and theirequipment from damage.

Use of conventional extrication pads presents several drawbacks anddisadvantages. The main problem with conventional extrication pads isthat they do not mold in-place over exposed jagged edges, for example,the cut-through “A, B, C” top support posts of a vehicle from which aperson needs to be removed. Conventional extrication pads placed oversuch jagged edges can be inadvertently shifted out of position, as whenbrushed by a person walking or moving by the post, exposing part of ajagged edge, or knocked entirely off of the end of the post. Anotherproblem with conventional extrication pads is that they can not beeasily decontaminated of bodily fluids such as with bleach and water,and therefore cannot typically or easily be reused. Another problem withconventional extrication pads is that they often cannot be convenientlystored on a rescue vehicle. Thus, conventional extrication pads are onlymarginally suitable for protecting rescue personnel from dangerspresented by jagged edges such as formed by cutting off the top, or adoor or even other parts of vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises a three-part laminated pliable surfaceconstruction that can be molded by hand to a desired shape and size, andthat will retain the shape and size into which it is molded until theparticular need has been met. The surface construction presents acontinuous chemical and abrasion resistant surface segment that can beadvantageously utilized for numerous purposes and in alternateembodiments. After use, the surface construction can be reshaped toaccomplish another task, or flattened or rolled into a compact articlefor storage.

A surface construction, in accordance with the invention, comprisesthree parts: a center lead sheet covered by two sheets of laminatedrubber. The main structural part of the surface construction is thesheet of lead that is pliable and hand-moldable of an appropriate sizeand shape. Adhered onto and covering both sides of the lead sheet arethe sheets of rubber. The lead sheet provides the functional andstructural foundation for the pliable, hand-moldable and shape-retentioncharacteristics of the surface construction. The rubber sheets protectthe lead sheet, and provide insulative, caustic, abrasion resistance andother protection characteristics with regard to both personnel handlingthe surface construction and the material or environment with which thesurface construction is used. The composition of the rubber sheets istherefore provided as appropriate for functional and protection purposesin consideration of the material or environment to which the surfaceconstruction is exposed. For instance neoprene rubber is suitable towithstand exposure to certain chemicals, while nitrile rubber isgenerally preferred for handling petroleum-based liquids. Those skilledin the material arts will recognize that other rubber compositions willbe most suitable to achieve certain desired characteristics, such asabrasion resistance, softness or hardness, durability to repeatedflexing and compression, and other material characteristics.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a new and uniquedraining and flow channeling surface construction is provided thataccomplishes many of the tasks of conventional oil draining devices, butthat is adaptable and easily changed in shape, size and flow area toaccommodate custom needs, and that can be transported and stored in aconvenient compact form. In these and other respects, the laminatedsurface construction substantially departs from the conventionalconcepts and designs of the prior conventional oil draining devices, andin so doing provides a device that is uniquely convenient for thepurpose of controlling the flow of liquids and or resins of anycomposition by means of a laminated continuous surface construction thatcan be shaped and molded by hand and that will retain such shape untilthe particular need has been met.

In one embodiment, the surface construction is elongated, generallyrectangular in overall shape (when laid flat) that can be rolled or laidflat for storage. The surface construction can be shaped into anelongated channel of a desired length that can curve and bend in threedimensions to permit channeling of liquid (e.g., draining of oil) alonga relatively tortuous path as may be required as from a drain port to achannel outlet located safely away from an engine. The overall length ofthe channel can be adjusted by unrolling additional length of thesurface construction and shaping it into the end of the channel.

Thus, a flow channeling device, in accordance with the invention,comprises a lamination of lead and rubber formed to establish a pliablesurface construction that can be molded by hand to establish controlledflow between two locations, including to channel flow efficiently aspossible for certain specialized circumstances, is chemically resistantto the fluid being handled, and that will retain the shape into which itis molded so until the draining or other channeling need is met. Thesurface construction presents a continuous, chemical resistant surfaceto carry the liquid or resin along the desired path, as well as toprotect the user when handling the device. After use, the flowchanneling device can be easily cleaned and reshaped (rolled, folded orflattened) for convenient storage, and then reused as required.

The laminated rubber-lead-rubber surface construction of the presentinvention provides several unique elements and results in severaladvantages when used to channel flow such as in a draining device ascompared with prior draining devices. The surface construction can behand shaped and molded into virtually any desired configuration toachieve custom flow channeling required for particular purposes. Thesurface construction can be shaped to achieve a relatively large surfacearea which can be especially convenient to collect and channel fluidwhere large volumes of liquid are involved or where there may be a somepotential for spraying or splattering from the drain port. The operativelength and/or overall size of the surface construction can be changed,to establish a smaller or larger, or shorter or longer flow channel toaccommodate particular needs. The surface construction can also be cuton-site into an appropriate reduced size and/or shape, or shaped inother ways that will be desirable in providing a device to channelliquids as efficiently as possible for particular application. And asnoted above, the surface construction can be conveniently stored as aflat sheet or in a roll, or folded or otherwise shaped for conveniencethereof. In summary, the laminated rubber-lead-rubber surfaceconstruction of the present invention can be hand shaped, molded formedinto virtually any desired configuration to achieve the draining andflow channeling required for particular purposes.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a new and uniqueprotective cover is provided for protecting rescue personnel from thedangers associated with exposed jagged edges on a vehicle, such as maybe formed by the cutting off of parts of vehicles and equipment toextricate a person from the vehicle, and other dangerous situations. Theprotective cover comprises a lamination of lead and rubber formed toestablish a laminated pliable surface construction that can be molded byhand around an exposed edge, and that will retain the shape into whichit is molded so that the cover is retained over the exposed object oredge until manually unshaped and removed. After use, the protectivecover can be decontaminated and reshaped (rolled, folded or flattened)for convenient storage in a compact form, and then reused as required.The protective cover provides several unique elements and achievesseveral distinct advantages as compared with prior extrication pads. Theprotective cover can be provided in convenient sizes for ease of storageon fire and rescue vehicles, and ease of use by fire and rescuepersonnel. The protective cover can be hand shaped and molded overvirtually any exposed edge for protection therefrom. In preferredembodiments, the protective cover is uniquely configured to be molded byhand over the end of a post and/or around a sharp object, and to retainits shape until removed from the post or other object. The invention canbe used for numerous other purposes where a portable, reusable, moldableprotective cover is desired. In these and other respects, the inventionprovides a protective cover that accomplishes the purposes ofconventional extrication pads, but that substantially departs from theconventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doingprovides a device that is especially convenient for the purpose ofcovering, and thereby providing protection from exposed sharp objectsand jagged edges, as often encountered by rescue personnel.

In one embodiment, the protective cover is generally rectangular inshape (when laid flat) as described above. In a preferred embodiment,the center layer of pliable, hand-moldable lead is formed with a centerpart and an outer part that includes an outer edge shape provided withslots or slits or other configured material voids to establish flaps orlike configured parts such that the center part can be placed over thejagged exposed edge (e.g., the end of a post) and the flaps can be bentand folded around the exposed edges (e.g., around the wall of the post),such that the protective cover will retain its molded shape untilmanually reshaped and removed from the post. The center layer can beformed in many different shapes, such as the fire fighting symbol (theMaltese cross).

In a preferred protective surface construction, one side is acontinuous, abrasion resistant rubber surface for placement against thejagged edge, and the other side is a softer exposed rubber surface toprotect the fire and rescue personnel and their equipment. In thisinstance, a soft rubber sheet or lamination of composition appropriateto provide protection from handling of the lead sheet is laminated oradhered onto and covering one side of the lead sheet. This layer will beexposed outwardly when the protective cover is in place over a sharpobject, and therefore is further of suitable composition to resilientlystretch as the protective cover is molded over (for example) the end ofa post, to resiliently return to its unstretched condition when thecover is removed from the post and reshaped into (for example) a flatcondition, and further for protection to the fire and rescue personneland their equipment when contact is made therewith. For instance, it hasbeen determined that a layer of nitryl or butyl or neoprene rubber issuitable for the above-described purposes. Laminated or adhered onto andcovering the other side of the lead sheet is a tougher rubber sheet orlamination also of composition appropriate to provide protection fromhandling of the lead sheet. This layer will be exposed inwardly when theprotective cover is in place other a sharp object, and therefore isfurther of suitable composition to resiliently compress as theprotective cover is molded over (for example) the end of a post, toresiliently return to its uncompressed condition when the cover isremoved from the post and reshaped into (for example) a flat condition.This layer is further of a tear and puncture resistant composition sucha high wear rubber with an embedded scrim or other structurallyreinforced rubber to withstand exposure and abrasion from contact withthe jagged edges of (for example) the end of the cut post. In completionof the protective cover, the edges of the two rubber layers extendbeyond the edges of the lead sheet, and are sewn together, or sealedtogether, or a protective coating or seal or edge is secured thereto, toseal the lead sheet entirely within the rubber layers.

Thus, the protective cover is established with a center lead sheet thatis easily hand moldable, and that is laminated or and sealed within tworubber sheets of different materials specified with the above-describedcomparative characteristics. The lead sheet provides the foundation forthe pliable, hand-moldable and shape-retention nature of the protectivecover. The rubber sheets protect the lead sheet, and they protect thosehandling the protective cover from the lead sheet therein. In oneembodiment, the lead sheet is formed as a Maltase cross, and the rubberlayers are generally rectangular, with rounded corners, laminated overthe lead sheet.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, important aspects andfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. Additional features of the inventionare described in the detailed description below and shown in thedrawings. Before explaining the preferred embodiments of the inventionin detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited inits application to the details of construction and to the arrangementsof the components set forth in the following description or illustratedin the drawings. Instead, the invention is capable of other embodimentsand of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is tobe understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein arefor the purpose of the description and should not be regarded aslimiting.

According, the primary objective of the invention is to provide aunique, three-part laminated pliable hand-moldable surface constructionthat can be utilized to achieve certain desired advantages and overcomethe shortcomings of certain conventional devices.

In particular, an objective of the invention is to provide a laminatedsurface construction that is pliable and hand-moldable, for channelingthe flow of liquids and resins, and that it will retain its shape untilthe particular need has been met.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a laminated surfaceconstruction that is easily shaped or molded by hand to provide thenecessary channeling of all types of liquids and resins, from water tohazardous materials, generally from one location to another location.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a laminated surfaceconstruction that can cut into smaller size or shape as well as beingshaped or molded by hand for establishing virtually any desiredconfiguration by the user thus providing the means to channel liquids orresins as efficiently as possible.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a three-part laminatedpliable hand-moldable surface construction that can be rolled up andstored on, for example, fire-fighting equipment and molded to a desiredshape for the diversion and possible containment of both liquid andgranular materials.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a three-part laminatedpliable hand-moldable surface construction of a configuration thatprovides the ability to be manufactured with different materials whichcover the lead center sheet for proper protection from various types ofmaterials being channeled.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a surface constructionprotective cover that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior artextrication pads.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a surface constructionfor protecting rescue personnel from the dangers of injury and damage toequipment from jagged edges such as formed by the cutting off of partsof vehicles and equipment to extricate persons from the vehicle or otherdangerous situations.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a surface constructionfor covering the sharp jagged metal edges of the A, B, C posts ofvehicles and any other jagged edges to protect fire and rescue personneland their equipment after they have cut the top off of a vehicle to geta person or persons that was trapped in the vehicle out of the vehicle.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a protective cover in asealed unit that is safe to handle yet provides moldability toaccommodate a problem at hand.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a protective cover thatcan be easily decontaminated and reused multiple times.

Another object of the invention is to provide a surface construction formolding into shapes as may that can be used to create other safetydevices and constructions in the field.

These and other objectives and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, and it is intended that allof these objects and advantages are within the scope of the presentinvention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this inventionmay be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the three layersof a pliable hand-moldable surface construction to be laminated inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the surface constructionshowing the center and outer layers laminated together.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-section of an edge portion of the surfaceconstruction.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the surface construction as unrolled andlaid flat.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the surface construction as shaped intoa channel with one end (the left end shown) open to catch drainingliquid from and the other end curled over to form a funnel or spout-typeconfiguration suitable to guide the liquid into a container.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the surface construction as rolled up.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the surface construction as formedinto a channel (similar to shown in FIG. 5) and positioned into anddraining oil from an aircraft engine with a drain port that is noteasily accessible with conventional oil draining devices due toobstructing elements of the engine.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an oil draining device comprising alaminated surface construction with a discharge end clamped to one endof a tube.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of an alternate surface constructionwith a Kevlar layer.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate surface constructionprovided with grommets.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing use of a surface construction as aprotective cover in accordance with another aspect of the inventionplaced over jagged edges and sharp objects on a car whose top has beenremoved, for example, by rescue personnel.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theprotective cover of FIG. 11 in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the protective cover as initiallypositioned onto, and covering the end of a post such as might have sharpedges, with the center material part over the top of the post and theflaps folded snugly down onto the sides of the post.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view with the edge portions of the flaps foldedsnugly around the post.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the protective cover of FIGS.11 to 14 comprising a top layer of a softer rubber like nitryl orneoprene rubber, a center layer of pure lead which can be in differentshapes, and a bottom layer of a rubber which is tougher high wearresistant rubber.

FIG. 16 is a partially broken away perspective view of a protectivecover similar to the protective cover of FIG. 11 showing a slightlymodified form.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the protective cover of FIG. 16 inposition on a post similar to the environment illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 illustrates a slightly modified form of protective cover ofFIGS. 16 and 17.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments have beenshown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, andequivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, thereis shown a three-part laminated pliable hand-moldable surfaceconstruction 10 (see FIG. 4 for an overall perspective) which comprisesthree main layers. The center layer of the surface construction 10 is apliable hand-moldable sheet of lead designated as item 12 (see FIGS.1-3), both sides of which are covered with an appropriate pliablematerial layer 14, 16 such as thin rubber. This configurationestablishes a three part laminated hand-moldable and pliable surfaceconstruction 10 which can be manually shaped to a desired configuration,optionally cut to a desired size, and is adaptable for many purposes,including but not limited to channeling the flow of liquid from onelocation to another, and fanning a protective cover over exposed jaggededges.

More particularly, the middle layer of the surface construction 10 is asheet of lead 12 with oppositely facing, shown as top and bottom,generally planar surfaces 18, 20 and a surrounding edge perimeter 22that establishes a rectangular lead sheet in the embodiment shown. Thelead sheet provides the structural integrity, the pliable hand-moldablecharacteristics, and the shape-retention characteristics of the surfaceconstruction 10 after it has been configured to a desired shape. Thus,the lead sheet functions to maintain the surface construction 10,including the outer layers 14, 16, in a desired shape and position afterthe surface construction has been manually shaped and placed in itsoperative position while in use. The lead sheet is provided in anyconvenient size and perimeter shape, and has a thickness of betweenapproximately one sixty-fourth ( 1/64) to one-eighth (⅛) inch for handmoldability. A thickness of approximately thirty thousandths (0.03) inchor one thirty-second ( 1/32) inch is preferred for a surfaceconstruction 10 that is durable yet readily hand-moldable for use inmost applications, although the thinner or thicker lead sheet will bepreferred in certain instances. The trade-off in establishing apreferred thickness lead sheet for a particular use involvesconsiderations to the additional strength and structural integrity ofadditional thickness verses the enhanced pliability, hand-moldability,reduced weight and ease of storage considerations with reducedthickness. Thus, the minimum thickness establishes a desired structuralintegrity for repeated flexing, and the maximum thickness still permitsrelative ease in manual shaping in accordance with the invention. Thelead sheet need not be a sheet of specialized composition, but can becommercial grade lead of a composition, purity and type that iscommercially available and commonly used in industry, such as in theaircraft and nuclear industries. The center layer 12 can be alternatelyprovided from another material with similar structural, pliability andhand-moldability and shape retention characteristics as the lead sheetdescribed.

The top sheet or layer 14 of surface construction 10 is a pliable layerthat provides an operative surface for the fluid or other material beinghandled (i.e., channeled, guided, etc.) by the surface construction 10or the environment (e.g., chemical or jagged edges) to which the surfaceconstruction will be exposed, and that is firmly secured to the top 18of the center sheet 12 in a manner such that the top sheet 14 willconform to and track the exact shape of the moldable center sheet 12.The layer 14 provides protection from the lead sheet, such as protectionfrom lead exposure due to handling of the surface construction 10,protection against possible injury while manually shaping the surfaceconstruction 10, and protection against contamination of the material asmay be in contact with the surface construction 10. The layer 14 alsoprovides protection against damage to the lead sheet such as whenmanually shaping and handling the surface construction 10, and from thematerial being guided or channeled by the surface construction 10 or theenvironment to which the surface construction will be exposed. The layer14 may be further designated to provide other desired operationalcharacteristics such as chemical resistance to the material beingchanneled and/or abrasive resistance for the manner in which the surfaceconstruction 10 is being used.

A preferred top layer 14 is a relatively thin rubber layer with theabove-noted characteristics. In such embodiments, the composition andthickness of rubber is designated, for example, to provide protectionfrom destruction and contamination due to exposure to sharp edges orcaustic materials or harsh environments, for water-proof protection,protection against such caustic materials and environments, and likeconsiderations. A preferred top sheet 14 of rubber further provides areliable surface to seal over the center sheet while the surfaceconstruction 10 is being used for its intended purpose. The top sheet 14can be alternately a pliable plastic or rubber-plastic composition orother material providing rubber-like pliability, tracking and otherdesired characteristics noted above, and can be provided in any desiredthickness that meets these characteristics. As an example, the top layercan be provided from a sheet of neoprene rubber. In this instance, thecenter sheet 12 which may be made of lead is covered by the sheet 14 ofneoprene rubber which is glued or otherwise laminated to the top of thecenter sheet 12. A layer of neoprene rubber provides desired insulativeprotection as well as caustic protection from certain materials that maybe handled by the surface construction 10. An alternate top layer can bemade from, for example, nitrile rubber, which will provide enhancedprotection against certain other materials to handled by the surfaceconstruction 10. In certain preferred embodiments, neoprene and nitrilerubber thickness of approximately one thirty-second ( 1/32) inch is wellsuited for and provides the desired pliability and protectivecharacteristics for the top layer 14 (as well as the bottom layerdiscussed below), but the thickness may decrease and increase from thiswhile accomplishing the above-noted characteristics, which those skilledin the art will appreciate will depend on, among other factors, theflexibility and durability of the material chosen for the outer layers.

The bottom sheet or layer 16 of surface construction 10 is also apliable layer that is firmly secured to the bottom 20 of the centersheet 12 in a manner such that the bottom sheet 16 will conform to andtrack the exact shape of the moldable center sheet 12. As with layer 14,layer 16 provides protection from the lead sheet, such as protectionfrom lead exposure due to handling of the surface construction 10, andprotection against possible injury while manually shaping the surfaceconstruction 10. The layer 16 also provides protection against damage tothe lead sheet such as when manually shaping and handling the surfaceconstruction 10 and its use thereof.

In certain preferred embodiments, the bottom sheet 16 provides analternate (i.e., second) operative surface such as for fluid or othermaterial to be handled by the surface construction 10. In this instance,the bottom sheet is further designated to provide protection againstcontamination of such material being handled, guided or channeled by thesurface construction 10, and protection from the material being handledby the surface construction 10 or the environment to which the surfaceconstruction is exposed. Such preferred layer 16 may be furtherdesignated to provide other desired operational characteristics such aschemical resistance to the material being handled by the surfaceconstruction 10 and/or abrasive resistance to the manner in which suchmaterial is being handled.

Thus, a preferred bottom layer 16 is also a relatively thin rubber layerwith the above-noted characteristics. The composition of rubber isdesignated, for example, to provide protection from the destruction andcontamination due to handling caustic materials, water-proof protection,and protection against such caustic materials or environment to whichthe surface construction may be exposed. A preferred bottom sheet 16 ofrubber further provides a reliable surface to seal the center sheet 12while materials are being handled by or in contact with the surfaceconstruction 10, such as while liquids or resins are being channeledfrom a drain port to a container. The bottom sheet 16 can be alternatelya pliable plastic or rubber-plastic composition or any materialproviding similar pliability, tracking and other desired characteristicssuch as noted above, and can be provided in any desired thickness thatmeets these characteristics.

Therefore, the bottom layer 16 may be of the same composition andthickness, to obtain the same functional characteristics as the toplayer 14, so that use of either the top layer or the bottom layer as theoperative layer for handling the desired material is interchangeable in,for example, a flow channeling device. Alternately, the bottom layer maybe of a different composition and/or thickness than the top layer toobtain different functional and protection characteristics. In suchinstance, the surface construction 10 will provide two alternateoperative surfaces for handling materials that require differentprotective characteristics. For example, as is well known, differentrubber compositions are better able to resist degradation againstdifferent liquids. A surface construction 10 with different top andbottom rubber composition layers will be able to better resist surfacematerial degradation against liquids with two such differentcharacteristics. In this instance, the top and bottom layers will bedistinguishable to the user by (two) distinct indicia such as visuallydifferent markings on the top and bottom layers, different coloredstripes, different surface textures, or different overall colors.

The surface construction 10 can be produced using any suitable methodand fabrication technique, which method and technique may alsocontribute the resulting thickness of the top and bottom layers.According to a currently preferred method of fabricating surfaceconstruction 10, a center sheet 12 is cut to a desired size andperimeter shape, and the top and bottom layers are cut to approximatelythe same shape and larger in size than the center sheet. The pre-cut topand bottom layers 14, 16 are then laminated to the top and bottomsurfaces 18, 20 of the center sheet, with the perimeters of the top andbottom layers extend beyond the perimeter of the center sheet, utilizingan adhesive that is suitable for material compositions of all threelayers. To effect lamination of the layers, contact cement or otheradhesive is spread or sprayed over the surfaces of the three layers tobe adhered together. The layers are then assembled together into thesurface construction 10 and held in place until the adhesive is set. Ifthe perimeters of the top and bottom layers are not initially identicalor are not aligned in the assembled surface construction 10, then atrimming process can be utilized to establish the outer perimeter of thesurface construction 10 with the aligned, adhered outer perimeters ofthe top and bottom layers extending beyond the perimeter of the centersheet and adhered together to establish an outer rubber lip orsurrounding perimeter 24 (see e.g., FIGS. 3-4). The result will be alaminated three part sheet of pliable surface construction that can bemolded or cut into any shape for a custom application.

A method for fabricating the surface construction 10 will optionallyinclude sewing the perimeters 24 of the top and bottom layers 14, 26together (around the edges thereof), or otherwise reinforcing theadhesively secured perimeters of the top and bottom layers foradditional resistance against separation during use. According to analternate method of fabricating surface construction 10, a center sheet12 is cut to a desired size and perimeter shape, and is over-sprayedwith a rubberized (or other suitable) composition to develop the layers14 and 16 adhered thereto, with subsequent drying, curing, vulcanizing,etc., and trimming as applicable, to establish the surface construction10. According to another alternate method of fabricating surfaceconstruction 10, a center sheet 12 is cut to a desired size andperimeter shape, and is then dipped in a rubberized (or other suitable)composition to develop the layers 14 and 16 adhered thereto withsubsequent drying, curing, vulcanizing, etc., and trimming asapplicable, to establish the surface construction 10. All of theabove-described methods of producing surface construction 10 will enableprovision a the preferred rubber perimeter 24 surrounding the perimeter22 of the center sheet 12.

In yet another method of fabricating surface construction 10, largermaterial sheets of the center and top and bottom layers are adheredtogether to produce large laminated sheets that are cut into individualsurface constructions 10. This procedure results in edges of the centersheet of each surface construction 10 being exposed (as shown in FIG.2). However, such surface constructions 10 may suitable for use, withoutconcern for exposed lead edges in certain instances, such as whereexposure of the lead sheet edges does not present a safety hazard orother concern, or where the surface constructions 10 are packaged orstored for one-time use, when the lead edges of the surface construction10 are covered or protected in another manner, or when the center sheetis made from a material other than lead but with the pliability,moldability and other above-noted characteristics of lead. Such surfaceconstructions can alternately be further processed to provide aprotective edge covering over the otherwise exposed lead sheet edgessuch as to spray on a protective edge of rubber, or adhere a protectiverubber edge to the construction.

With the foregoing arrangement, the surface construction 10 will achieveall of the objectives and advantages of the invention as discussedherein. Briefly, these include provision of a durable, hand moldabledevice that can be shaped in all manner of configurations to, forexample, channel material from difficult to reach places, and alonginconvenient paths, or to mold over jagged edges as a protectivecovering. When not in use, the surface construction can be unrolled andlaid flat (FIG. 4) or rolled up (FIG. 6) for convenient storage.

For fluid channeling purposes, the surface construction 10 may beprovided in rolls of different material and thickness. For aviationuses, the surface construction will provide the ability to customize agutter like channel to guide oil from the oil filter as it is beingdrained from an engine with a difficult to reach drain port. In thisinstance, an appropriate sized surface construction can be rolled up andcarefully inserted into the engine compartment and molded into the shapeand channel needed to provide the proper exiting of oil as the filterand engine drains once the old filter has been removed. The oil filtercan be allowed to drain onto the surface construction as well as theinternal portion of the engine in which the filter or filters has justbeen removed. The oil is guided along the channel established by thesurface construction between engine parts to provide a more efficientexit to the containment device such as a bucket.

For additional fluid channeling purposes, the surface construction 10can be used, for example, by the fire fighting industry for causticchemical containment, where an on-the-spot hand-moldable surfaceconstruction must be created to protect personnel, equipment or theenvironment. Holes can be cut into the surface construction and/or adrain device attached to provide a specially designed funnel which ispliable and will conform to a location in which a standard funnel wouldnot work. As a further example, a fluid draining device 30 shown in FIG.8 comprises a surface construction 10A and a rubber tube 32 with aninlet end 34 and a discharge end 36. The surface construction isconfigured into a funnel-shaped open channel, with a generally openupper end and a restricted-flow lower end that curves or wraps aroundinto a circumferentially closed discharge port, and is secured aroundthe inlet end of the tube, such as with an adhesive for a permanentconnection or with clamps 38 for a removable connection. The moldablefunnel 30, by virtue of the flexible discharge tube, enables thedraining of oil or other liquid along extremely curved or very smallpaths between fixed elements of the engine or machine being worked on.

The surface construction 10 can also be used for a unique flowcontainment, channeling and patching system for both hazardous and nonhazardous materials. As an example, if there were a leak in a pipe, thesurface construction could be wrapped the pipe to the left or right ofthe leak and wire ties installed which are ready to be tightened. Thesurface construction and ties would then be slide over the leak and theties tightened to provide a temporary seal which would contain the sprayfrom the leak and substantially slow the flow of liquid or gas to asafer level. The liquids could then be optionally diverted with the endportion of the surface construction shaped to direct the liquid to acontainer by unrolling more of the surface construction and creating acustom channel at the end for the diverting of the leak to thecontainer. A larger size surface construction made out of appropriatematerial and thickness to accommodate the liquid or resin beingchanneled can be used as an outside diversion mat to help control theflow of liquids or resins such as hazardous materials, such as from aleaking barrel to a receiving container located downhill from thebarrel.

In the plumbing industry, the surface construction 10 provides amoldable channel to divert a leak of water from a pipe to a container,for instance under the sink in which it is often hard to manage a leak.The surface construction will be unrolled and custom shaped for theconfiguration required, such as to channel around pipes and otherobstructions between the leak and the container. In the machine toolindustry, the surface construction can be used for a coolant diversiondevice which can be remolded for any particular circumstance to divertthe spray and contain the coolant to the proper location in which thecoolant was required. The surface construction can also be used as amechanics mat which can be of any manageable size on a workbench toprovide a unique mat system to contain and divert liquids as they aredraining from mechanical devices while they are being disassembled. Theedges can be hand molded to the shape desired to contain or divert theliquids which are leaking or draining from the parts or devices as theyare being disassembled. Due to the base lead sheet of the surfaceconstruction 10, the surface construction can be used for its inherentspark resistant characteristic, in that is will not cause sparks indangerous situations while installing it such as a patch on a leak ofignitable or potentially explosive liquid. The surface construction canalso be used to “channel” or control the flow of non-liquid materials,such as to divert manufactured or molded parts into containers as theyare ejected from or come off the machines.

Due to the unique moldable construction and base lead sheet of thesurface construction in accordance with the invention, it can also beused as a flexible protective mat-type device. For example, in analternate embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a layer of pliable Kevlar 25 isadded to the laminated surface construction 10. The resulting surfaceconstruction 10A has the ability to be molded into a desired shape toprovide a unique utility of strength and moldability to a specificcircumstance, such as to be used as a protective puncture resistant andradiation resistant product. In another alternate embodiment shown inFIG. 10, grommets 27 are installed near the edges of the surfaceconstruction 10B, with the laminated Kevlar layer optionally provided,to obtain a pliable, moldable tarp-like surface construction which thencould be laced with Kevlar or other rope through the grommets and pulledtight and tied off in a desired location or around a desired object,such as a fuel storage drum or the like for containment and protectionagainst moderate events in the field. As will be evident from theforegoing, the laminated pliable hand-moldable surface construction inaccordance with the invention will be useful in numerous embodiments andfor many uses

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a three-partlaminated pliable hand-moldable surface construction is provided as aprotective cover or extrication pad, for positioning over jagged edgesand sharp objects such as on a vehicle whose top has been removed byrescue personnel. As shown in FIG. 11, the protective cover may beprovided in the form of surface construction 10E similar to surfaceconstruction 10 described above, but in a generally wider or larger sizeas would typically be used for oil draining or flow channeling purposes.However, in a preferred embodiment, the protective cover is uniquelyconfigured for ease of wrapping over such jagged posts and sharpobjects. One such preferred protective cover 50 is shown in perspectivein FIG. 12, and in an exploded perspective view in FIG. 15.

The surface construction in 10E in the form of protective cover 50comprises three main layers to establish a uniquely configuredthree-part laminated pliable hand-moldable surface construction withsealed edges as generally described above. The center layer of theprotective cover is a pliable hand-moldable sheet of lead 52 cut into asuitable shape, and provides the ability to retain the shape of thecover after it is mold over a sharp object. One side 54 (typically thetop side) is a layer of soft rubber of suitable composition which allowsthe cover to seal in the center layer yet stretch as the cover is moldedover the sharp object. The opposite side 56 (typically the bottom side)is the layer which will bear against the jagged edges of the object overwhich the cover is molded, and is a tougher layer of high-wear rubberwhich is resistant to withstand abrasion and puncture from sharp objectsand. The edges of the rubber layers are sealed together, to seal thelead in between the layers of rubber and thereby provide protection fromhandling the lead sheet. This construction provides a protective cover,in accordance with the invention, which can be manually molded aroundthe top of a post or other object that may have jagged edges or sharpprotrusions.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, the center lead layer 52 of the protectivecover 50 is formed with a center material part 52A, and an outermaterial part that includes an outer edge formed with slots or slits 52Bor other configured material voids to establish flaps 52C or otherconfigured material parts. One suitable cut configuration for the leadsheet is a Maltese cross shape, or a generally rectangular center layerwith corner slits shown in FIG. 12-15.

The top sheet or layer 54 of protective cover 50 is a soil, pliablelayer that provides a soft, protective outwardly exposed surface whenthe cover is molded in place over the end of a post or other sharpobject, for protection to the rescue personnel and their equipment whencontact is made therewith. The top layer is firmly laminated, adhered orotherwise secured to the center lead sheet, covering the entire leadsheet and extending beyond its edges. The top layer is of suitablecomposition to resiliently stretch as the protective cover is moldedover the sharp object, and to resiliently return to its unstretchedcondition when the cover is removed from the post and reshaped into, forexample, a flat condition. The top layer provides protection from leadexposure when handling the lead sheet in the protective cover, andprotection against possible injury while manually shaping the protectivecover. The layer may be further designated to provide other desiredoperational characteristics such as chemical resistance. For instance,it has been determined that a layer of nitryl or neoprene rubber issuitable for the above-described purposes.

Laminated or otherwise secured onto and covering the other side of thelead sheet 52 is a tougher rubber sheet 56 or lamination also ofcomposition appropriate to provide protection from handling of the leadsheet. This layer will be exposed inwardly when the protective cover isin place over the end of a post or other sharp object, and therefore isfurther of suitable composition to resiliently compress as theprotective cover is molded over the object, to resiliently return to itsuncompressed condition when the cover is removed from the post andreshaped into, for example, a flat condition. This layer is further of atear and puncture resistant composition such a high wear rubber with anoptional embedded scrim such as flexible fiberglass strands orpara-aramid synthetic fiber Kevlar* strands or other structurallyreinforced rubber to withstand exposure and abrasion from contact withthe jagged edges of the end of the cut post or other sharp object overwhich the surface construction is conformed. *Kevlar is a registeredtrademark of E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company.

To complete the protective cover 50, the edges of the two rubber layers54, 56 extend beyond the perimeter edges of the lead sheet, and aresewn, glued, welded, or otherwise sealed together, or a protectivecoating or seal or edge is secured thereto, to seal the lead sheetentirely within the rubber layers.

In use, the center of the protective cover, corresponding to the centermaterial part 52A of the lead sheet, is placed over the jagged exposedend of a post or other object, and the flaps are bent or folded snuglyaround the wall of the post or object such as shown in FIG. 13. Theslots or cut-outs in the lead sheet enable the rubber layerscorresponding thereto to naturally fold outwardly as the flaps are folddown onto the post. To further ensure that the protective cover willremain in place until manually removed, adjacent the edge portions ofthe flaps are then folded towards one another, snugly around the post asshown in FIG. 14, where the protective cover will remain, retaining itsmolded shape until manually reshaped and removed from the post.

Protective covers 50 as fire fighters would use would have manyconvenient sizes, but for instance, the size covering a “B” post of avehicle which has been cut off would typically be approximately 18×18inches and would be taken and placed over the cut surface and moldedover that surface to the shape of the post. This provides a protectivelayer which protects the fire fighters, and their equipment, as well asthe victim while being removed from the vehicle. The tough bottom rubberlayer is the first line of protection against the jagged metal edgeswhile the center lead layer which serves two basic purposes: to providethe cover with its shape retention capability and hold secure to thepost, and to provide a second line of defense against the sharp jaggedmaterial left after the posts are cut. The top, softer layer or rubberprovides the ability to seal the lead in, and keep the environment awayfrom the center layer of lead. The rubber layers also provide theability for the protective cover to be decontaminated of bodily fluidsand other foreign materials such as with bleach water. Thus, theprotective cover protects the people who are working in and around thevehicles from the hazards created by the same people cutting the top ofthe vehicle off to save the victim.

As shown, the center sheet 52 of the surface construction 50 isgenerally rectangular (square as shown) to correspond with the perimeterof the outer rubber layers 54, 56, thereby reducing the lip surroundingthe center sheet to approximately one-fourth inch, with the rubber edgesat the lip being sewn together continuously around the perimeter tofurther preclude separation of the lamination during extended use.

FIGS. 16 to 18 depict a slightly modified form of surface constructionin the form of the protective cover as an extrication pad forpositioning over jagged edges and sharp objects. The cover 150 includesa square center lead sheet 152 having an outer perimeter 153. Itincludes a center, solid material portion 152A and an outer materialportion divided into quadrants or flaps 152C by diagonal slots 152Bextending from the perimeter corners to the solid material portion 152A.Though the center sheet is illustrated as square, any desired shapecould be employed including, for example, rectangular or circular. Inthe instance of a circular shape, it is contemplated that a plurality ofequally spaced apart radial slots would be employed to divide the outermaterial part of the sheet 152A for ease of folding or molding upon apost or sharp object.

In this embodiment, the outer top sheet 154 and outer bottom sheet 156are formed of the same material. In this instance, the material coveringthe top side and bottom side of the center lead sheet 152 is a clothinserted vulcanized rubber. It could also be a screen or mesh insertedrubber. Other options include ballistic material such as rubberimpregnated para-aramid synthetic fiber.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the top layer 154 and bottom layer 156 aresomewhat larger than the center lead sheet 152 and are stitched togetheralong the perimeter by stitching 158. In addition, diagonal stitching160 extends between opposite corners of the protective cover 150. Itdirectly connects the top layer material 154 to the bottom layermaterial in slots 152B. The diagonal stitching 160 passes through thelead center sheet 152 in the area of the center material part 152A. Thelayers of the protective cover 150 are not otherwise connected together.

One corner of the protective cover 150 includes an outward flap 162along the perimeter edge. A strap 164 is secured to flap 162 and extendsoutward of the protective cover 150. It has a length that exceeds thewidth of the protective cover 150, generally about three (3) times thelength of one edge. Its length is not critical, but it should be longenough to wrap around the protective cover 150 when positioned upon apost and molded or folded upon itself as illustrated in FIG. 17.

The illustrated strap 164 comprises a hook and loop fastener. That is,one side or surface of the strap 164 includes a series of miniature“hooks.” The other side or surface includes a series of miniature“loops.” When the strap is wrapped around and overlapped upon itself thehooks and loops engage to releasably secure the strap about theprotective cover 150 to hold it in place during use. The hook and loopfastener arrangement is commonly available from Velcro USA, Inc.,Manchester, N.H.

In a slightly modified configuration, illustrated in FIG. 18, theprotective cover 150 does not include an outward flap 162 and the strap164 is connected directly to one of the top layer 154 or bottom layer156 covering center pliable hand-moldable sheet 152. Stitching 178 isused to affix strap 164 to the protective cover 150. The strap includeshook and loop fasteners as in FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative arrangement for connecting top layer154 and bottom layer 156 to each other about their perimeters, and tothe lead center sheet 152. Here double sided adhesive tape 168 isemployed. It adheres to the inside surface of the respective outer toplayer 154 and bottom layer 156 about the perimeter outward of the edge153 of lead sheet 152. Tape 168 also extends diagonally on both sides ofthe lead sheet 152 across center material part 152A and on either sideof slots 152B. It adheres the top and bottom layers 154 and 156 to thelead sheet 152. The layers are not otherwise adhered together.

Other use of the surface construction and protective cover in accordancewith the invention will include as a decontamination tray rail which canbe unrolled and shaped into v-like shape to provide a decontaminationtray, and rolled back up or stored flat. A large decon tray that fitsinto a ladder of a fire fighting vehicle for example would be 12 feet by16 inches long and fit down between the ladder rails and supported bythe rungs of the ladder. Grommets as described and illustrated in FIG.10 above may be provided in the protective cover for additionalhold-down purposes, or, for example, magnets can be secured between thelayers of the cover for additional holding power as the cover is moldedinto custom shapes over steel and other magnetic objects. The inventioncan also be used as patch material, as a first line protection againstacid spills, in all sizes and shapes with a sealed edge. For example, atechnique to contain leaking acid and other hazardous materials in, forexample, a tanker, that comprises providing a three-part laminatedprotective cover or surface construction of a lead center layer andouter rubber protective layers with sealed edges and sized to wrapsubstantially around the tank and at least substantially beyond theboundaries of the leaking area of the tank; and securing the laminatedcover over the leak with an outer stainless steel sheet and compressionband(s) that extend around the tanker.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present inventionbrings to the art a new and unique laminated pliable surfaceconstruction that can be hand shaped for many uses. The surfaceconstruction is suited to be used as a diversion device in which aliquid or resin could be diverted, the surface construction being handmolded into a appropriate shape to provide a channel or funnel-shape forthe material to be diverted to the appropriate container. The surfaceconstruction is a device which can be rolled out and molded into achannel to divert a spill or liquid or resin and provide a excellentoption to get the liquids to an appropriate container and therebyprotect surrounding equipment, parts, etc., from the effects ofcontamination by the liquid. The surface construction is also suited tobe used as a protective cover or extrication pad over sharp edges suchas to which rescue personal may be exposed. The unique construction ofpliable, hand-moldable lead sheet laminated over with rubber sheetsaccomplishes these and other purposes.

1. A pliable surface construction comprising: a layer comprising apliable hand-moldable sheet having oppositely facing surfaces and aperimeter edge; a layer of a pliable sheet covering each of saidoppositely facing surfaces, wherein said pliable hand-moldable sheet hasshape-retention characteristics to retain said surface construction inthe shape into which it is molded.
 2. A pliable surface construction asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said pliable hand-moldable sheet can bereshaped after it is hand-molded into a shape.
 3. A pliable surfaceconstruction as claimed in claim 2 wherein said hand-moldable sheet isgenerally rectangular and can be shaped into an elongated channel whichis curved or bent in three dimensions to form a flow channeling deviceto channel flow between two locations and after use can be reshaped,including rolled or flattened for storage.
 4. A pliable surfaceconstruction as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pliable hand-moldablesheet is made of lead.
 5. A pliable surface construction as claimed inclaim 4 wherein said covering layers are made of rubber.
 6. A pliablesurface construction as claimed in claim 5 wherein said covering layersare selected from the group consisting of neoprene rubber, butyl rubberand nitril rubber.
 7. A pliable surface construction as claimed in claim1 wherein said covering layers are adhered to said oppositely facingsurfaces of said hand-moldable sheet.
 8. A pliable surface constructionforming a protective cover comprising: a layer comprising a pliablehand-moldable sheet having oppositely facing surfaces and a perimeteredge; a layer of a pliable sheet covering each of said oppositely facingsurfaces, wherein said pliable hand-moldable sheet has shape-retentioncharacteristics to retain said surface construction in the shape intowhich it is molded wherein said layer of pliable hand-moldable sheetincludes a center material part and an outer material part havingconfigured voids establishing flaps.
 9. A pliable surface constructionas claimed in claim 8 wherein said layer of pliable hand-moldable sheetincludes a central solid material portion and an outer material portionand said voids are slots extending diagonally of said protective coverdividing said outer material portion into flaps.
 10. A pliable surfaceconstruction as claimed in claim 9 wherein said layer of pliablehand-moldable sheet is generally rectangular and said slots divide saidouter material portion into quadrants.
 11. A pliable surfaceconstruction as claimed in claim 9 wherein one of said covering layersis a soft pliable layer and the other of said covering layers is a tearand puncture resistant rubber layer.
 12. A pliable surface constructionas claimed in claim 9 wherein said covering layers are formed of thesame material, and said material comprises a cloth inserted vulcanizedrubber.
 13. A pliable surface construction as claimed in claim 8 whereinsaid construction includes an attached strap.
 14. A pliable surfaceconstruction as claimed in claim 13 wherein said strap has a length thatexceeds the width of said protective cover.
 15. A pliable surfaceconstruction as claimed in claim 13 wherein said strap includes a layerof hooks and a layer of loops, and said hooks and loops are connectableto form said strap into a loop.
 16. A pliable surface construction asclaimed in claim 9 wherein said pliable sheets covering said oppositelyfacing surfaces of said pliable hand-moldable sheet are adhered to eachother about said perimeter edge.
 17. A pliable surface construction asclaimed in claim 16 wherein said layers of pliable sheet covering saidlayer of pliable hand-moldable sheet are adhered to said layer ofpliable hand-moldable sheet diagonally of said protective cover.
 18. Apliable surface construction as claimed in claim 17 wherein double-sidedadhesive tape is adhered between said layers of pliable sheet about saidperimeter edge and between said layers of pliable sheet and said layerof pliable hand-moldable sheet diagonally of said pliable hand moldablesheet.
 19. A pliable surface construction as claimed in claim 16 whereinsaid pliable hand-moldable sheet is made of lead.
 20. A pliable surfaceconstruction as claimed in claim 19 wherein said covering layers aremade of rubber.
 21. A pliable surface construction as claimed in claim19 wherein each said covering layer is made of the same material.
 22. Apliable surface construction as claimed in claim 19 wherein each saidcovering layer is made from a different material.
 23. A pliable surfaceconstruction as claimed in claim 9 wherein said hand-moldable sheet isgenerally rectangular and said layers of pliable sheet covering each ofsaid oppositely facing surfaces are larger in size than said handmoldable sheet and extend beyond said perimeter edge thereof, saidcovering layers are adhered together beyond said perimeter edge to forma lip surrounding said perimeter edge of said hand moldable sheet.
 24. Apliable surface construction as claimed in claim 23 wherein said pliablesheets covering said oppositely facing surfaces of said pliablehand-moldable sheets are connected to each other by stitching about saidperimeter edge and are connected to said pliable hand-moldable sheet bystitching diagonally of said pliable hand-moldable sheet.